Dolaonda (2017 Film)
Dolaonda (Korean: 돌아온다) is a 2017 South Korean drama film directed by Heo Chul. The film follows the story of a man named Byun, who returns to his hometown to open a small restaurant specializing in food and makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine. The establishment is notable for a sign displayed by the owner, which claims that those who drink makgeolli at the restaurant will be reunited with the people they miss.
Plot
Byun, portrayed by Kim Yu-Seok, establishes his life in his hometown by running a restaurant. His daily routine is altered by the arrival of a young woman named Joo-Young, played by Son Soo-Hyun, who begins working at the restaurant. The narrative focuses on the various patrons who visit the restaurant, each carrying their own personal stories and longings.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast portraying the residents and visitors who frequent Byun's restaurant:
- Kim Yu-Seok as Byun
- Son Soo-Hyun as Joo-Young
- Park Byung-Eun as Jung-Hwan
- Choi Jong-Hoon as Jin-Chul
- Lee Hwang-Eui as Hwang-Eui
- Jung Yun-Shim as the real estate agent
- Kang Yoo-Mi as Yoo-Mi
- Ri Woo-Jin as the monk
- Min Kyung-Jin as the grandfather
- Choi Ro-Woon as young Jung-Hwan
- Cha Soon-Bae as the vegetable store owner
- Kimkwak Kyung-Hee as the grandmother
Production and Release
The film was directed and written by Heo Chul. It held its world premiere at the Jeonju International Film Festival on April 28, 2017, and received a general theatrical release in South Korea on December 7, 2017. The film has a runtime of 96 minutes.